Ski Travel Insurance & Avalanche Risk

Last updated: January 2026

Recent avalanche incidents in the French Alps have prompted renewed safety warnings for skiers and snowboarders across Europe. For anyone planning a ski holiday, these events highlight why ski travel insurance and winter sports safety awareness are essential parts of trip planning.

National avalanche services across France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Spain have reported unstable snow conditions, with some regions operating under high (Level 4) avalanche risk warnings. Many of the incidents involved off-piste skiing, where risk levels can change rapidly.

If you’re heading to the slopes, understanding how winter sports travel insurance works, and where cover may be limited is just as important as checking the weather forecast.

Why Avalanche Risk Isn’t Always Obvious

Avalanche danger isn’t always visible. Clear skies, fresh snowfall and calm conditions can create a false sense of security, even for experienced skiers.

In many recent cases:

• Skiers were travelling off-piste

• Snow cover had become unstable following heavy snowfall

• Official avalanche warnings were already in place

Avalanches often require mountain rescue teams, helicopter evacuation and specialist search equipment. Without appropriate ski travel insurance, the cost of rescue and medical treatment can be extremely high.

Off-Piste Skiing Insurance: What You Need to Know

Off-piste skiing is one of the most common areas where travellers misunderstand their cover.

Adding winter sports cover does not always mean you’re insured in every situation. Off-piste skiing insurance is often subject to specific conditions.

You may not be covered if:

• You ski off-piste without a qualified guide, where one is required

• You ignore avalanche warnings or resort safety advice

• You ski in restricted or closed areas

• You fail to follow local safety regulations

Always check how your ski travel insurance applies to off-piste skiing before you travel.

What Covered2Go Ski Travel Insurance Includes

With the right policy in place, ski travel insurance provides vital protection if something goes wrong on the slopes. Covered2Go offers flexible winter sports travel insurance, with cover levels varying depending on the policy chosen.

Emergency Medical Expenses – up to £10 million

• Cover for skiing and snowboarding injuries abroad

• Includes mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation and repatriation

Ski & Snowboard Equipment Cover – up to £1,500

• Protection for lost, stolen or damaged equipment

• Includes both owned and hired gear

Replacement Equipment Hire – up to £1,500

• Cost of hiring equipment if yours is delayed, lost or stolen

Piste Closure Compensation – up to £500

Ski Pass & Lessons Cover – up to £1,500

Trip Cancellation & Curtailment – up to £10,000

Personal Liability – up to £2 million

24/7 Emergency Assistance

How to Reduce Risk on the Slopes

Travel insurance is a safety net — but responsible behaviour matters just as much.

To reduce risk:

• Check daily avalanche risk forecasts

• Follow resort and piste authority guidance

• Avoid off-piste skiing during high-risk conditions

• Ski with a qualified guide where required

• Carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment

• Respect closures and warning signage

For up-to-date entry and safety guidance before travelling, skiers should also check the UK Government’s FCDO travel advice.

Why Winter Sports Travel Insurance Matters

Avalanche conditions can change quickly, and even experienced skiers can be caught out. Before travelling, make sure you:

Having the right ski travel insurance ensures you’re protected if the unexpected happens.

Ski Travel Insurance FAQs

Does ski travel insurance cover avalanches?
Yes, provided you have winter sports cover and have followed local safety advice. This applies across most ski destinations, including France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and other alpine regions. Claims may be affected if you ski off-piste without a guide or ignore official warnings.

Am I insured if I ski off-piste?
Off-piste skiing insurance may apply only under certain conditions, such as skiing with a qualified guide and within permitted areas. These conditions typically apply regardless of country. Always check your policy wording before you travel.

Do I need winter sports travel insurance to ski in Europe?
Yes. Standard travel insurance does not usually cover skiing or snowboarding unless winter sports cover is added, or the specific winter sports activity has been selected, regardless of whether you’re skiing in France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy or elsewhere.

Does ski travel insurance cover helicopter rescue?
With appropriate winter sports cover in place, mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation are typically included where medically necessary, across most ski destinations.

Final Thought

Recent avalanche incidents are a sobering reminder that skiing carries real risks, even in popular resorts. Staying informed, skiing responsibly and having the right ski travel insurance in place can make a crucial difference.

Before heading to the slopes, review your winter sports travel insurance and always follow local safety guidance.

Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Policy Wording carefully to ensure the cover meets your needs.